Archives: meaning, definitions and examples

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Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

historical records

Archives refer to a collection of historical records or documents, typically containing important information or evidence of past events. Archives are usually preserved for research, reference, or historical purposes. They can include manuscripts, letters, photographs, maps, and other primary sources.

Synonyms

documents, records, repository.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
archives	Can be used in a digital context, referring to a collection of stored data or files. The digital archives include a vast collection of e-books and journals You can find archived emails in your account settings
records	Used broadly to refer to any form of stored information, often in an organized way. It can apply to various fields like medical, legal, or personal data. The hospital keeps detailed medical records for each patient Police records showed his history of minor offenses
documents	Used to refer to written or printed papers that provide information, serve as evidence, or are official records. Please submit all the required documents by Friday Legal documents are necessary to prove ownership of the property
repository	Refers to a place or container where things are stored for future use, often used in the context of databases or software. The university's library serves as a repository of academic knowledge The code repository contains all the project’s source files and their revision history

Examples of usage

The archives of the museum contain valuable documents dating back to the 18th century.
Researchers often visit archives to access original records for their studies.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

store or maintain in archives

To archives means to store or maintain documents, records, or other materials in an archive for preservation and future reference. Archiving is an essential practice in libraries, museums, and organizations to ensure the longevity and accessibility of important information.

Synonyms

catalog, preserve, store.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
archives	Used when referring to a collection of historical documents, records, or data, usually preserved for historical or research purposes. The university library has an extensive collection of archives dating back to the 18th century. Researchers often spend days in the archives looking for old newspaper clippings.
store	Refers to the action of keeping items in a specific place for future use. It is a more general term used for everyday items or data. We need to store these supplies in the warehouse until we need them. You can store your files on this USB drive.
preserve	Used when discussing the act of keeping something in its original state or in good condition, often for future use or to prevent decay. Efforts to preserve the ancient manuscripts were successful. They are working to preserve the historic building from demolition.
catalog	Appropriate when referring to the process of organizing and listing items, often in a systematic way. Commonly used in libraries, stores, and databases. The librarian spent hours cataloging the new arrivals. You can search for the book in the online catalog.

Examples of usage

The library archives rare books and manuscripts to protect them from damage.
The company archives old files to free up office space.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'archives' comes from the Greek word 'arkheion,' which referred to the house of a ruler or magistrate, where important documents were kept.
In Latin, 'archivum' was adopted, also meaning a place where records and historical documents are stored, showing the long-standing importance of documentation.

History

The first known archives date back to ancient Mesopotamia, where clay tablets stored important administrative and economic records.
During the Renaissance, a movement began to collect historical documents as governments recognized the value of preserving their histories.

Science

In information science, archives play a key role in preserving data integrity and ensuring that historical records remain accessible for future research.
Digital archives have transformed how we store and access information in the modern age, allowing for instant retrieval and preservation of vast amounts of data.

Pop Culture

In movies and television, libraries and archives are often portrayed as places of mystery, where hidden stories and treasures are waiting to be discovered.
Many popular documentaries delve into the contents of historical archives to uncover forgotten stories or provide new insights into well-known events.

Literature

Literature often features characters who delve into dusty archives to reveal family secrets or important historical truths, stressing their role as gateways to the past.
Famous authors have worked in archives to conduct research, finding inspiration in the troves of existing works to inform their writings.

Translations

Translations of the word "archives" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arquivos

🇮🇳 अभिलेखागार

🇩🇪 Archive

🇮🇩 arsip

🇺🇦 архіви

🇵🇱 archiwa

🇯🇵 アーカイブ

🇫🇷 archives

🇪🇸 archivos

🇹🇷 arşivler

🇰🇷 기록 보관소

🇸🇦 الأرشيف

🇨🇿 archivy

🇸🇰 archívy

🇨🇳 档案

🇸🇮 arhivi

🇮🇸 skjalasöfn

🇰🇿 мұрағат

🇬🇪 არქივი

🇦🇿 arxiv

🇲🇽 archivos

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,994 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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7991 rented
7992 muttered
7993 discomfort
7994 archives
7995 occupancy
7996 plural
7997 eastward
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